Nigerian started first game for Bleu-blanc-noir
It may not be the ideal conditions in which to get your first MLS start, but Orji Okwonkwo certainly made the most of it. As the Impact kicked off its 2019 regular season in San Jose Saturday, the team’s newest member started on the right of a three-man attack composed of Maxi Urruti up top and Nacho Piatti on his favoured left side, with Harry Novillo suffering from a small injury.
The Nigerian had joined the Bleu-blanc-noir’s training camp a little over a week ago, partaking in a few training sessions with the team and playing a few minutes in a 3-0 win over D.C. United in its last preseason game.
“We tried to integrate him as quick as possible by showing him videos and working with him,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “I must say he listened very carefully. His response Saturday was excellent. He started on the right wing at the last second and I think we immediately saw a player who’s going to cause defenses a lot of problems due to his strength.”
The 21-year old joined the Impact from Bologna FC on loan for the 2019 season and fit well in Garde’s starting 11 despite just familiarizing himself with the coach’s style of play over the past week.
“It was a game where he needed to pay attention to our positioning tactically,” added Garde. “But since he’s arriving from a country where tactics are often practiced, I felt he was already very comfortable with the game plan.”
Through 70 minutes of play, Okwonwko provided a solid balance of attack and defense on the right wing, standing out especially due to his strong physical play. His bursts of speed were difficult to deal with for the Earthquakes’ defense and he was in solid form despite not having an entire training camp behind him.
“He especially showed his physical qualities,” said Samuel Piette after the game. “The first ball he touched, he beat his defender with speed, so we told him to keep exploiting that side. He dribbled well and made some nice passes. He hasn’t been with us long, but he’s adapted really well.”
